Wrong information from Disney World central reservations

[brasey]

Just a little while ago I had someone who had originally had a reservation with Disney World central reservations who wanted to cancel and have me book for them instead through DVC. The central reservation persons including a supervisor told them that they would not be able to add on the dinning plan and the magical express like what was on the Disney World reservation when doing it through DVC?? Is my info wrong that as a guest they are entitled to do both and that central reservations is not aware of the correct policy? Why is it then when I call to make a reservation for a guest they always let you know about magical express and the dinning plan and that it is available to them. Is it just they are trying to hold onto the bookings they have or they are unaware of the actual policies?

 

[bicker]

A little slower please. When, where, how, etc.

I cannot really figure out what you're saying, but I think my experience might be relevant. I have DVC reservations for next February, and were not able to add either the Dining Plan nor Magical Express to my reservation. At least not yet.

 

[brasey]

They have reservations for May 8th- 13th and had cancellation insurance so were willing to go the DVc route instead if anything was open. Disney reservations told them that they would not be able to get the dinning plan and magical express like what was on the package they had. I told them they could as long as the dinning plan was done before check in. The central reservation people pretty much told them that they could not use these two items with DVC reservations.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

DVC reservations are eligible for both Magical Express and the purchase of the Disney Dining Plan. They are not eligible for free Disney Dining.

 

[bicker]

That's got to be it, Royal... DVC members are not eligible for the free dining promotion.

 

[Chuck S]

The CRO reps probably haven't been brought up to speed on the Dining agreement with DVC. There really is no particular need for a ressie rep to be informed, as it doesn't affect their computer system. However, are your renters sure that trip insurance will cover their cancellation if they cancel within the 45 days days just because they get a better deal? Trip insurance usually applies if there is a situation beyond the travelers direct control, like delayed/cancelled flights or severe illness.

 

[RobDoc]

The free dining plan isn't available until this September, so that wouldn't apply to a reservation this month anyway. There are dining plan options that are not available for DVC members- so it's possible that's what they had with their package.

However, DME and the DP are definitley available for DVC reservations - at least thru the end of this year.

As Chuck mentioned, I'd sure check the insurance to be sure it will cover a cancellation. They usually have pretty strict requirements for the coverage- especially if it was the insurance offered thru CRO for Disney packages. Once within 45 days, there are usually pretty stiff cancellation penalties for reservations made thru CRO.

 

[diznyfanatic]

As others have said, CRO is wrong. We rented points for a DVC stay beginning 4/2/06-4/7/06 and were able to add the Dining Plan. They do not charge you for the DP until you check in, at which time it must be paid in full.

In addition, we were also offered ME but didn't need it as we drove. This was handled through MS however, and not CRO.

As others have also pointed out, the FREE Dining Plan is not offered to members for stays on points, yet I would think it would be available for cash reservations made if purchased as a package with MYW tickets through CRO, just like any other resort that CRO is able to book.

If someone booked a DVC villa through CRO as a cash ressie and made it a package with MYW tickets, why wouldn't it be eligible for the free dining and ME?

 

[bicker]

Free dining was a capacity-controlled promotion.

 

[CarolMN]

...(snip)...If someone booked a DVC villa through CRO as a cash ressie and made it a package with MYW tickets, why wouldn't it be eligible for the free dining and ME?

It would - as long as the dates fell within the period for free dining. Don't know exactly, but the free dining promotion is only for stays in late August - September.

Best wishes -

 

[brasey]

They paid the normal price for the dinning plan so I think either the CRO wanted to (1) talk them out swapping the ressie and keep it in the CR system (2) had no clue what they are doing or (3) was confused about the DVC options available to the guest of a member.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Why is your potential renter discussing DVC perks with CRO anyway? They can barely keep up with the resort side.

I really do not mean to be rude, I rent points too, but I think the bigger issue here, is that DVC has it in writing that rentals will have the competitive disadvantage when going against WDWTC. Should they lie to keep their edge? No, but they hold all the power when it comes to the DDP and DME being available to DVC in the first place.
Your renter calling CRO to cancel is one thing but to argue that they will receive the same benefits and save money by renting points with CRO puts DVC rentals and CRO in direct competition. We all know who will lose that battle. All WDWTC has to do is not renew either perk for point stays to regain their competitive edge.
Renting is not for the faint at heart, or untrusting. Also, as members, we need to be informed enough to guide renters thru the process.
I fear this was a case of TMI and the cancellation could of taken place without the guest bringing up DVC and the perks they will receive as a DVC renter. I think that was counterproductive for all members and guests.

 

[brasey]

I never said they argued, they just asked and were told they could not get those perks. As for the disadvantage there is none at the moment until the rack rates come down so low it makes more sense to have the security of an official Disney reservation instead of the trust needed doing it through us. This person never did a rental before and just asked when they called up to see what the cancellation policy was and then brought up the dinning plan and magic express question. They were just trying to cover their butts and I see nothing wrong in the questions. As for not letting DVC use these perks that will not hasppen unless they do away with them or change it. There need to be some perks when spendig the amount we do. (I hope)

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed at OKW this weekend on points with 3 friends. One friend had to leave yesterday, a day earlier than the rest of us. We rented a car from MCO on Thursday but she wanted to use Magical Express for her return yesterday. She called (not sure which number) but they said she had to be on a package to use Magical Express! She explained she was staying at OKW with a DVC member, they kept saying no. She was able to make the reservation when we arrived at OKW on Thursday. Lots of misinformation around.